An 18-year-old mother in Lake City, Florida, has been charged with felony child neglect after police say she left her 2-year-old daughter locked in a hot car while she returned to finish watching a movie. Authorities say Tipora Merriex placed the crying toddler inside a 2002 Cadillac Escalade and went back into the theater to continue watching the “Smurfs” movie with her siblings.
The incident occurred on Saturday as temperatures in Lake City climbed to 94 degrees, with a heat index of 107. Witnesses reported that Merriex stayed inside the theater while the child remained in the parked vehicle.
Lake City Police responded to the scene and found the young child visibly distressed, sweating, and crying. Officers broke the driver’s side window to remove the child and transported her to Lake City Medical Center for emergency treatment. Officials later confirmed the toddler had recovered.
According to police, Merriex showed little concern upon exiting the theater. Officers noted she appeared unfazed and initially claimed she had forgotten the child was in the vehicle. However, eyewitnesses told CBS47 that Merriex had intentionally placed the child in the SUV and returned to check briefly during the film.
“Our officers acted swiftly to ensure the safety of this young child,” said Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler. “Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle under these conditions is unacceptable. We are thankful the child is safe and urge all parents to prioritize the well-being of their children at all times.”
Merriex is now facing felony charges and further legal proceedings. The Department of Children and Families has been notified.
